How about a modern interpretation of the 356, as suggested by the original "rumors?"
In any case, dropping weight from the current Boxster/Cayman chassis will result in a different feel and handling characteristic. I'm envisioning a Lotus Elise competitor. Some will like it, but some Porsche faithful will not.
Those points said, I'm having a hard time biting on any idea offered by the auto industry. Whether it's a "Chevy Volt" by GM, a four-door saloon by Tesla, or a four-cylinder Boxster/356/914, many of these companies with "new" ideas may be just lucky to survive until next year, let alone 2011. Even Toyota has lousy fundamentals right now. Also, who knows what will be the economic environment that shapes the tastes of customers and auto industry even two years from now. Paying up for alternative energies or scaling down on power using conventional technologies will be difficult for customers to justify if the cost of a barrel of oil falls much lower than where it is today. Also, laws that limit emissions and lower companies' bottom line (short-term or long-term) will be harder to enact in a financial climate where the economy struggles as it is. ...Anyway, this is all another topic, that is related only in that emissions and energy costs are probably what's driving the thought of a 4-cylinder Porsche.
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2008 Boxster S
